Man O' War Valhalla Chardonnay 2022

Man O’ War is located on the beautiful island of Waiheke, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf in the Northern part of New Zealand. It’s a 4,500-acre farm owned by the Spencer family, with over 150-acres under vine, first planted in 1993. Today, there are no less than 75 separate vineyards across the farm.

The place is steeped in history, and the bay was a safe harbour for naval seafarers, who repaired their boats using timber from the local Kauri trees. Hence the name.

They have become well known for their Syrah, Chardonnay, and Waiheke’s signature Bordeaux blends. They also produce distinctly different Sauvignon Blanc, a seriously drinkable Pinot Gris, and a Rose which is a firm favourite at their beach front tasting room and cellar door.

Grapes were hand-picked from a range of Waiheke Island vineyards. Juice was macerated and fermented with wild yeasts in large format oak barrels. A hot fermentation followed by maturation on gross lees in puncheons. Malolactic fermentation was blocked to preserve freshness.